Albufeira, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, is a charming coastal city with much to offer. With sandy beaches, a beautiful nature reserve, good food and friendly people, it has everything you need to have a great holiday.
While in Albufeira Part 1 you can find information about some of Albufeira's Museums and the Arts and Crafts Centre, this post covers some of my favourite beaches and outdoor spots.
Albufeira has Mediterranean weather so if you don't want to be stuck inside the hotel waiting for the rain to pass, the best time to visit Albufeira is between May and September.
March, April and October are still good months - I went there in early March and was lucky enough to enjoy some beautiful sunny weather with one day of downpour in the middle of my trip, giving me a much-needed chance to rest.
The Observation Deck
The Observation Deck was one of my favourite places in Albufeira. It has an interesting sculpture, a few benches from which you can view amazing beaches and cliffs and it is home to cute and friendly cats.
Address: R. Latino Coelho 29, 8200-123 Albufeira, Portugal
The Observation Deck is a few minutes away from the Seafront Elevator, a 5-minute walk from the Peneco Roack and a 10-minute walk from the Tunnel leading to Praia do Peneco.
It can get a bit crowded during the day, especially at the entrance, since that's where most of the cute cats like to hang out, enjoying the sun and the waves of attention from pretty much every local or tourist venturing their way.
Albufeira Marina
Address: 3PMP+58, Várzea da, Beco da Orada Apartado 2422, 8201-918 Albufeira, Portugal
A 25-minute walk from the Observation Deck you can find the Albufeira Marina.
It's the starting point for most boat, jet ski and kayak tours.
I didn't stop for a boat cruise this time as I was on my way to hike to the Nature Reserve, but I will surely go on my next visit.
As you walk around the Marina you will find cafes, restaurants, a bowling alley and even a Spar (Supermarket). The Spar was particularly useful on this occasion as I wanted an extra bottle of water for the small hike I had planned.
Whether you're there for a boat cruise, passing by on your way to the Nature Reserve, or simply enjoying the view, I think a visit to the Albufeira Marina is worth it.
Hiking to Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira
Address: Caminho da Baleeira 8200, Albufeira, Portugal
It takes around 40 minutes to walk to the Nature Reserve from the Observation Deck and around 20 minutes from the Marina.
Walking/ Hiking from the 'entrance' to the Slab Cliffs takes around 15 minutes, but it took me way longer as I stopped probably a hundred times to take pictures of all the flowers and amazing views.
If you decide to go there, please wear appropriate footwear and walk only on the beaten paths. Nothing is marked on this trail, so please make sure to stay far away from the edge of the cliffs and only go there during the daytime. Also, make sure you have water with you even if you're not there in the middle of summer. It might only be a short hike, but it's a hike nonetheless.
If you like walking in nature and want to enjoy some stunning views of the ocean and fascinating cliffs along the coastline, then this hike is the thing for you.
Praia dos Arrifes
As you walk along the coast, past the Slab Cliffs you will see a restaurant right near the beach. If you walk down the steps which lead to the restaurant and turn right just before the entrance, you will arrive at Praia dos Arrifes - a small beach with beautiful golden sand.
Praia do Peneco + Praia dos Pescadores
While all of the above are to the West of the Observation Deck, to the East of it you will find most of the well-known attractions - the Old Town and Albufeira's most popular beaches.
Access to Praia do Peneco from the Old Town is through a 20-metre man-made tunnel (see above) which is why this beach is also known as Praia do Túnel.
Here you can take a closer look at the Peneco Rock, an interesting rock formation in the middle of the beach.
If you keep walking along the beach opposite the Observation Deck and Peneco Rock you will arrive at Praia dos Pescadores, a large beach with a vast amount of restaurants to choose from nearby.
I went to Albufeira in search of a relaxing holiday with walks in nature, enjoying the amazing views and great weather and found exactly what I needed.
If you want to party, head over to The Strip (Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro), which is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and copious amount of bars, nightclubs and venues which accommodate stag & hen dues (bachelor/bachelorette parties).
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I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.